First lady of NASCAR Lynda Petty dies at 72

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. -- A woman known to many in the racing world as the first lady of NASCAR has died. Tuesday, Lynda Gayle Owens Petty, wife of NASCAR King Richard Petty passed away peacefully at her home in Level Cross, N.C.

A statement to KVUE's sister station, WFMY, from NASCAR says she was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.

She's known for her community involvement all while raising a family in the fast-growing sport of stock car racing. Lynda was known as a fighter after battling cancer over the past several years. She was also a Red Cross volunteer, a school volunteer, the president of the athletic booster club and a Girl and Boy Scout leader.

She also served on the Randolph County School Board for 16 years and also on the board of the Randolph County Hospice. She also started the Racing Wives Auxiliary.

A private memorial for family and friends will be held in Randleman, N.C. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following:

Petty Family Foundation 311 Branson Mill Road Randleman, N.C. 27317

A public service will not be held.

The family offered a statement to the public: We wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and our family throughout the years and at this time. We will forever love and miss a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.